What Is Domestic Thermal Energy Storage?
Domestic thermal energy storage (TES) allows households to store heat when it’s cheap or abundant and use it later when demand is higher.
Instead of generating heat on demand every time, energy is banked in advance. Think of it as a heat savings account. You deposit warmth when conditions are favourable and withdraw it when you need comfort.
Common sources of stored heat include:
- Electricity during off-peak tariffs
- Renewable energy from solar PV
- Heat pumps operating at optimal efficiency
The result is lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a more flexible energy system.
Types of Thermal Energy Storage in Homes
1. Hot Water Thermal Storage
The most familiar form. Insulated hot water cylinders store heat for space heating or domestic hot water. Simple, reliable, and evolving fast with smarter controls.
2. Phase Change Materials (PCM)
These materials store and release heat as they change state, usually from solid to liquid. Compact and efficient, PCMs are increasingly used in modern heating systems where space is at a premium.
3. Electric Thermal Storage Heaters
Modern storage heaters charge overnight using low-cost electricity and release heat gradually throughout the day. Newer models are smarter, more responsive, and far more efficient than their predecessors.
Why Thermal Energy Storage Matters Now
Domestic TES sits right at the crossroads of several major trends:
- Rising energy costs are pushing homeowners to seek smarter solutions
- Heat pump adoption requires well-designed storage systems
- Renewable energy integration needs flexibility and balance
- Grid decarbonisation relying on demand shifting and storage
In short, thermal energy storage makes low-carbon heating practical, affordable, and scalable.
And where technology grows, skills must follow.
The Skills Gap Behind the Technology
As demand for energy-efficient homes increases, so does the need for trained professionals who understand:
- Thermal storage system design
- Integration with heat pumps and renewables
- Installation, commissioning, and maintenance
- Energy efficiency standards and compliance
This is where training and recruitment become mission-critical.
At SERT, we support this transition by connecting employers with skilled candidates and helping learners gain the expertise needed to thrive in the low-carbon economy.
Opportunities for Learners and Employers
For learners, domestic thermal energy storage opens doors to:
- Sustainable construction roles
- Heating and renewables engineering
- Energy assessment and retrofit careers
For employers, it’s about building teams who can deliver future-ready homes with confidence and compliance.
The energy transition doesn’t just need technology. It needs people who know how to make it work.
The Future Is Stored, Skilled and Sustainable
Domestic thermal energy storage may not be the loudest innovation in the room, but it’s one of the most impactful. Quietly reducing emissions. Steadily cutting costs. Reliably supporting renewable heat.
At SERT, we’re proud to support the training and recruitment that powers this transformation. Because when energy is stored wisely and skills are built properly, everyone benefits.
If you’re looking to upskill, recruit, or future-proof your workforce in the energy sector, SERT is ready to help.